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Oh Crap! Colonoscopy

post #1 of 98
9/2/07 at 9:30pm
Thread Starter 
I'm old, and now its come to this! :

If that wasn't enough, my scheduled doom is on 9/11.
I need to psyche up for this. Tell me your story. : (yeah, I know...no fiber)
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post #2 of 98
9/2/07 at 9:48pm
Well, it's not only age. Mine was some years ago... in my 30s IIRC.

It wasn't pleasant, but it didn't take all that long, either. I'd suggest the best specialist you can find. Driving that camera around those turns can be a bit tight!

It'll be fine. You'll laugh about it afterwards...
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post #3 of 98
9/2/07 at 9:48pm
I would only worry......... if the proctologist walks into the exam room wearing a helmet cam. :
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post #4 of 98
9/2/07 at 9:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by volantaddict View Post
I would only worry......... if the proctologist walks into the exam room wearing a helmet cam. :
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post #5 of 98
9/3/07 at 6:34am
I had it done a year or so ago. No big deal at all (except the clearing out the system in advance.)

I was out for the whole thing, didn't feel anything, woke up a bit drowsy.

Now the prep means taking things that make you go and go and go (self-inflicted going problem?) That's not pleasant as it loses any solidity after a while and becomes (warning don't read on if you're squeamish) like doing a number 1 out of the place number 2 usually comes.

Just be near a bathroom.

Oh, schedule it for first thing in the morning. This is important, because it means less (waking) time without being able to eat.
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post #6 of 98
9/3/07 at 7:32am
Last Mon my doc lowered the boom and told me it was "my time" for one of those dasteredly deeds. Said I "Aint there no other way?:, said she "why of course, you should do this home test:" "Oh and by the way, I'll get you scheduled for the colonoscopy: in about 6 months". Oh well, **** comes with age:.
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post #7 of 98
9/3/07 at 8:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirquerider View Post
I'm old, and now its come to this! :

If that wasn't enough, my scheduled doom is on 9/11.
I need to psyche up for this. Tell me your story. : (yeah, I know...no fiber)
I deal with this stuff on a day to day basis on my Med/Surg unit. There are a couple of different ways of cleaning out the intestine. Go-Lytely is often used, it's a powder in a Gallon jug - and, yes, you have to drink it all. An easier alternative is an oral solution by Fleet's. Two doses mixed in fruit juice (spread out by a couple of hours) will accomplish the same thing. They've got the procedure really polished - it'll will be fine although if it's done on an outpatient basis you'll need someone else to drive you home. You can get copies of the pictures to show at your next cocktail party.

PS: Is this a routine examination or is there a specific reason? There is ever growing debate about administering this test w/o some basis of concern ie family history, bloody stools, IBS etc. Don't be afraid of questioning the physician. Often times they will order tests that are not necessary. And yes, I am now a licensed RN.

PPS:Be thankful it's not an EGD, they go in through the other way, significantly more complicated in terms of anesthesia etc.
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post #8 of 98
9/3/07 at 8:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jvwalker51 View Post
PPS:Be thankful it's not an EGD, they go in through the other way, significantly more complicated in terms of anesthesia etc.
::

Totally routine
Drugs are your friend
Stay close to home

Drink Fleet not powder

The wife ownz me and I need a ride...I assume this means we don't take the motorcycle. :


Most importantly, Avoid proctologists with HELMET CAMS!!
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post #9 of 98
9/3/07 at 10:09am
I only remember having to drink two bottles of something in the days before the procedure. Whatever it was, I apparently obeyed instructions properly and was really clean inside when it came time. I'd almost recommend taking the two days prior off from work or whatever due to the required proximity to a john.

Now, when mine was done, they knocked me out entirely, which was the thing that mostly concerned me. In spite of a mispent youth, I had never had anything which would wipe me out entirely, even when I had my daughter. But, that part was a piece of cake and now I am demanding it for various other things I've had to do since my accident.

The reason I mention this is MY HUSBAND WAS NOT KNOCKED OUT. This was a different doc in a different town and apparently he thought participation was important. My husband did not enjoy the whole thing and would have preferred to be knocked out. So, you better check on this aspect in advance if you have a preference and find a different guy to do it if you don't like the answer.
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post #10 of 98
9/3/07 at 10:48am
Good for you for taking care of yourself! And remember it's all for a great cause -- gently extracting that head of yours will be the only foreseeable tricky bit, but what a new outlook awaits you!

Seriously, good luck and hope things are smooth and fast.
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post #11 of 98
9/3/07 at 11:00am

...the rear guard.....

.....always find a GP with small hands, but if he is rough with you, offer some tail wind....
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post #12 of 98
9/3/07 at 11:32am
You know what they say,

Sh!t Happens!
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post #13 of 98
9/3/07 at 12:03pm
My doctor has been making those noises also. I am looking into a virtual colonoscopy. The prep is the same but it's similar to an MRI so there is no need for the drugs. I have an aversion to being knocked out.
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post #14 of 98
9/3/07 at 1:48pm
Actually, the pre-drugs and the getting knocked out part is the best part, the pre bathroom visits from all the laxative crap is the only bad part.

Of course, knowing the nurses personally, who were assisting the doctor was kind of embarrasing.
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post #15 of 98
9/3/07 at 2:08pm
Ugh. I've had 4 procedures already and I haven't turned 51 yet! Some times they knocked me out, some times I stayed awake. They wouldn't give me anything but laughing gas the time I rode my bicycle there. They only had to go in a little way that day to mark the place where something had been removed. The doctor was gentle and the gay anesthesiologist talked to me about skiing Park City which brought pleasant memories. His presence was comforting as it reminded me that some people enjoy similar action so it can't be that bad. Basically I got a tattoo in my colon that day. It was unpleasant but probably not as unpleasant as getting a tattoo on my skin. Sorry, I don't know how to uplink photos.
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post #16 of 98
9/3/07 at 2:16pm
The roughest part of mine was the absolutley drop dead gorgeous blonde babe that called my name and escorted me back to take a short medical history before enterign the actual procedure room.

Was she going to be in there with me with my south 40 hanging out?????:::

After a nice does of versed, I wanted to to invite her into the party!!!!

the predrugs are great. You could care less what or who does what to you and the memory is vague. Enjoy the buzz!!!


Dr. proclaimed at the end (Yes that's a pun ) "Your clean as a whistle!"
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post #17 of 98
9/3/07 at 4:03pm

virtual colonoscopy

depending on where you are, virtual can be as accurate as the snake, less expensive, and no complications. the prep is the same. its not that bad, and i skied the same day. but if they find something, you need to have a biopsy the old way. there is also quite a bit of radiation
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post #18 of 98
9/3/07 at 5:32pm
Cirque, don't worry. It is never as bad as the anticipation. I have sent many patients for this study and universally the opinion has been that it wasn't as bad as they expected. Cheer up.
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post #19 of 98
9/3/07 at 5:51pm
There must be something in the air. Did anyone catch Biff America's column on his colonoscopy in September's issue of Backcountry?
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post #20 of 98
9/3/07 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirquerider View Post
If that wasn't enough, my scheduled doom is on 9/11.
Tell me your story. :
I hope you do a better job than I did. I did my prep on the wrong day and showed up a day early. Thank god they fit me in. You should have see the look on my wifes face

Didn't even know they did the proceedure. Went home and slept for the rest of the day. I don't think they actually knock you out. You just can't remember anything.

Have fun and remember, pics for your trip report.:
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post #21 of 98
9/3/07 at 6:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SkisLikeaGirl View Post
There must be something in the air. Did anyone catch Biff America's column on his colonoscopy in September's issue of Backcountry?
No, I had enough of Biff America at this year's Ullr Fest in Breckenridge.
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post #22 of 98
9/3/07 at 8:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atomicman View Post
The roughest part of mine was the absolutley drop dead gorgeous blonde babe that called my name and escorted me back to take a short medical history before enterign the actual procedure room.

Was she going to be in there with me with my south 40 hanging out?????:::
Sorry, that's my vasectomy story.
Seems my shaving skills are sub-par. and the blonde needed to assist

(talk about getting all dressed up and no place to go )
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post #23 of 98
9/3/07 at 9:05pm
Cirque

no worries, I have had a couple now (family history issues) and honestly didn't remember or feel a thing although supposedly I was talking to the doc throughout on both occasions. First time the doc called me later in the day to confirm what we had discussed(??) during the procedure...:
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post #24 of 98
9/4/07 at 3:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirquerider View Post


Sorry, that's my vasectomy story.
Seems my shaving skills are sub-par. and the blonde needed to assist

(talk about getting all dressed up and no place to go )
Nurses become so desensitised to the respective private parts that they couldn't care less. It's part of the job. The only time, we'll start talking is if someone is so inclined to prominently display a piece of anatomy and it does happen (both male and female). Relax, it's nothing that we haven't seen before (in large numbers).
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post #25 of 98
9/4/07 at 4:25am
I've had a few of this type of "inspection." The prep is the worst part. Just follow the directions and it shouldn't be too bad. I've always said they make the prep "interesting" so that the actual "inspection" will be an anticlimax.

Now days most colo-rectal exams are done while you are under slight sedation. Its interesting. They put in an IV and hit you with fluids and a sedative. For my last one of these I remember being told to roll on my side, then I woke up in the recovery room. I didn't remember a thing.

Oh, yes. The valium and other drugs put you into the "WOW, MAN" mode. Enjoy, you get high and its all legal. :

A friend of mine had one a couple of years ago. His daughter in Nursing school was doing a summer internship with the GI doctor. She wanted to watch her Dad's procedure. : He said, "NO!"
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post #26 of 98
9/4/07 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jvwalker51 View Post
There are a couple of different ways of cleaning out the intestine. Go-Lytely is often used, it's a powder in a Gallon jug - and, yes, you have to drink it all.

Around here, we refer to this stuff as "Go-Swiftly".
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post #27 of 98
9/4/07 at 10:52am
Cirque...here's my story...

laying on the table, doctor says, "you feeling drowsy yet", I say "no", he says, "that's unusual". Next thing I know he's saying, "looks good, see you in five years."

IOTHW...no big deal.

EDIT...Make sure and ask the doc if he found those lost miners; or if he feels like Captin Kirk, boldly going "where no man has gone before". Doctors love that kind of humor and they have never heard those before.
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post #28 of 98
9/4/07 at 11:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by irul&ublo View Post

EDIT...Make sure and ask the doc if he found those lost miners; or if he feels like Captin Kirk, boldly going "where no man has gone before". Doctors love that kind of humor and they have never heard those before.

I'll have to remember this. I am so funny and a great conversationalist when on anesthesia.
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post #29 of 98
9/4/07 at 11:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jvwalker51 View Post
Nurses become so desensitised to the respective private parts that they couldn't care less. It's part of the job. The only time, we'll start talking is if someone is so inclined to prominently display a piece of anatomy and it does happen (both male and female). Relax, it's nothing that we haven't seen before (in large numbers).
She wasn't a nurse!!!!!!:
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post #30 of 98
9/4/07 at 11:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirquerider View Post


Sorry, that's my vasectomy story.
Seems my shaving skills are sub-par. and the blonde needed to assist

(talk about getting all dressed up and no place to go )
That had to be tough!!! Drugs cause major shrinkage??::
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